With approximately 500 people per shift, this represents a big hit to the Ipswich economy.

Compounding the tough times for JBS workers, the company has refused to negotiate on a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA), despite the previous agreement expiring in December 2015.

When the worker was asked on whether any progress was made, they laughed, saying 'No, not at all'.

"We are being unreasonable, because we won't accept their pathetic offer.

"The union is negotiating on our behalf, they are doing what we ask, we stand to lose $10-15,000 in the first year, we need a significant result."

The worker said floor staff were told yesterday of the company's plans to shut the plant for four weeks at Christmas, with day shift returning for one week, before being stood down for a week, while the night shift staff would be stood down for five weeks, before they return for one week's work.

"How can they say in September there will be no cattle in January?"

JBS Australia Director of Corporate and Regulatory, John Berry, said the company had no comment to make on the progress of the EBA negotiations, or what was preventing an agreement being reached. "No comment, it is an ongoing issue," Mr Berry said.

Mr Berry was also less than forthcoming when asked about the Christmas shutdown.